The Civil War wasn’t only fought in the south. Especially at the start of the war, there were numerous skirmishes in the north between those who felt the Union ought to fight the Confederates to stop slavery and those who felt that negotiation ought to be pursued instead. In one very memorable skirmish, soldiers from Danbury confronted supporters of peace in New Fairfield at the Battle of Charcoal Run. Early reports of two fatalities made this the most significant encounter in Connecticut.

Mon, Dec 8, 2025; 2:00 p.m.

Benchmark Newtown

FOR BENCHMARK NEWTOWN RESIDENTS ONLY

When the U.S. changed its Constitution to outlaw alcohol in 1919, only two states refused to endorse the change – and Connecticut was one of them. Port cities along Long Island Sound offered ideal smuggling locations for rum runners. The populace generally helped speakeasy owners by giving them a head’s up when police were nearby. The Prohibition Era gave rise to several notorious bootleggers, including East Haven’s Nellie Green and Bridgeport-based mobster Dutch Schultz.

Wed, Jan 14, 2026; 1:30 p.m.

Hilltop Senior Center, Bridgewater

Call ahead if interested in attending

When people think of the Cold War and nuclear missile defenses, they tend to think of large, open, rural areas in the Midwest. That’s where missile silos are most often pictured. Yet, in the 1950s and 1960s in CT, 12 anti-aircraft missile sites, located in 15 different towns, ringed both Bridgeport and Hartford. In a strategy change, the decision was made to switch from 12 ballistic missile sites to actual Nike Hercules nuclear warheads stored in silos in three communities in the state. Find out where these sites were located, how they functioned, and the three times we almost had to use the missiles.

Thu, Jan 15, 2026; 12:15 p.m.

Milford Rotary Club Meeting

FOR MILFORD ROTARY MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS ONLY

Nobody has ever been charged by Scotland Yard in England with being the notorious murderer Jack the Ripper. But a Connecticut woman did spend time in jail in England, after being convicted of killing her husband - who some people claim was the infamous killer. She lived out her life after prison in western Connecticut, incognito, and only a handful of persons knew her true identity until after she died.

Wed, Jan 21, 2026; 6:30 p.m.

North Branford Library

ZOOM ONLY

Contact the library for Zoom link

Of all the legendary figures who have come through Connecticut, few have had the staying power or notoriety that The Leatherman has achieved. For six years during the late 1800s, this so-called "hobo" hiked the same, 364-mile, circuitous route every 34 days like clockwork. Residents could predict when he would return to their town. Wearing a self-made suit of leather, from head to toe, he conversed with no one and slept in caves. And, we still don't know who he was. But, people loved him.

Thu, Jan 29, 2026; 6:00 p.m.

Woodbridge Public Library

Open to the public

To register: https://woodbridgetownlibrary.libcal.com/event/15581946

Of all the legendary figures who have come through Connecticut, few have had the staying power or notoriety that The Leatherman has achieved. For six years during the late 1800s, this so-called "hobo" hiked the same, 364-mile, circuitous route every 34 days like clockwork. Residents could predict when he would return to their town. Wearing a self-made suit of leather, from head to toe, he conversed with no one and slept in caves. And, we still don't know who he was. But, people loved him.

Wed, Feb 4, 2026; 6:30 p.m.

Madison Public Library

Open to the public

Benedict Arnold’s name is synonymous with being a traitor. At an important point in the Revolutionary War, he orchestrated the handover of top-secret plans about the Patriots’ most important fort, West Point, to British spy John Andre. The plot unraveled; otherwise, the outcome of the fight for independence may have had a different ending. When looking at reasons for his traitorous behavior, his shattered dreams growing up in Norwich are often overlooked. And, before he switched allegiances to join the British, Arnold was considered among the finest of all military leaders on the Patriot side.

Wed, Feb 11, 2026; 6:30 p.m.

North Branford Public Library

ZOOM ONLY

Contact library for Zoom link

When the U.S. Constitution changed to outlaw alcohol, a cottage industry began off the Connecticut coastline. Rum runners traveled into international waters 3 miles offshore to take the risk of carrying liquor back to the mainland. If they got caught by federal agents, the liquor was confiscated and the offenders faced prison time. Multiple cities along Long Island Sound offered ideal smuggling locations. East Haven’s Nellie Green and Bridgeport-based mobster Dutch Schultz were just two of the celebrated bootleggers during the 13-year Prohibition era. Since Connecticut was one of the two states that didn’t support the constitutional amendment to outlaw liquor, the state was a haven for those who didn’t want to give up their liquor.

Tue, Feb 24, 2026; 10:30 a.m.

Danbury-New Fairfield Women’s Club

OPEN TO CLUB MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS ONLY

Artist Peter Toth spent several decades traveling the U.S., sculpting wooden statues depicting the Native American persons in each state – and then donated his work for free to that state. At least one statue was made for each state, including Connecticut. But, the Connecticut statue is no longer standing and finding information about its past, its whereabouts, its status, and its future prospects is virtually impossible to come by.

Wed, Mar 11, 2026; 6:30 p.m.

North Branford Public Library

ZOOM ONLY

Contact the library for Zoom link

The Civil War wasn’t only fought in the south. Especially at the start of the war, there were numerous skirmishes in the north between those who felt the Union ought to fight the Confederates to stop slavery and those who felt that negotiation ought to be pursued instead. In one very memorable skirmish, soldiers from Danbury confronted supporters of peace in New Fairfield at the Battle of Charcoal Run. Early reports of two fatalities made this the most significant encounter in Connecticut.

Mon, Apr 20, 2026; 6:30 p.m.

Bethel Public Library

Open to the public

Benedict Arnold’s name is synonymous with being a traitor. At an important point in the Revolutionary War, he orchestrated the handover of top-secret plans about the Patriots’ most important fort, West Point, to British spy John Andre. The plot unraveled; otherwise, the outcome of the fight for independence may have had a different ending. When looking at reasons for his traitorous behavior, his shattered dreams growing up in Norwich are often overlooked. And, before he switched allegiances to join the British, Arnold was considered among the finest of all military leaders on the Patriot side.

Wed, Apr 22, 2026; Time TBD

Simsbury Public Library

Open to the public

He’s perhaps this country’s most famous and beloved author. Samuel Clemens, a.k.a. Mark Twain, spent 25% of his life in Connecticut – including in Hartford (where he wrote some of his most famous works) and Redding (where he died). Despite his reputation as a humorist, he hid the bitter pain he suffered following numerous personal tragedies. This presentation will provide a summary overview of his life and concentrate on his years in Connecticut, particularly his final two years in Redding.

Thu, May 7, 2026; 10:30 a.m.

Learning in Retirement-Stamford

Check back for ticket information

‍Benedict Arnold’s name is synonymous with being a traitor. At an important point in the Revolutionary War, he orchestrated the handover of top-secret plans about the Patriots’ most important fort, West Point, to British spy John Andre. The plot unraveled; otherwise, the outcome of the fight for independence may have had a different ending. When looking at reasons for his traitorous behavior, his shattered dreams growing up in Norwich are often overlooked. And, before he switched allegiances to join the British, Arnold was considered among the finest of all military leaders on the Patriot side.

Wed, May 27, 2026; 6:30 p.m.

Woodbury Public Library

Open to the public

Most of Connecticut’s coastline abuts Long Island Sound. Over the centuries, CT sailors have taken to the high seas on some very notable and remarkable journeys. The first American to spot Antarctica sailed from Stonington. The crew that recovered the lost British ship The Resolute (from which the President’s Oval Office desk was made) was from New London. CT was second only to Massachusetts in whaling. The historic and handsome lighthouses along the shoreline hold stories of their own.

Thu, May 28, 2026; 6:00 p.m.

Fair Haven Branch of New Haven Library

Open to the public

It was 1777, early in the Revolutionary War, and a weekend military mission into inland Connecticut was supposed to be an easy military victory for the British in their attempts to put down the Patriot uprising. The objective was to march from Long Island Sound to Danbury and incapacitate it as a key supply center for the Patriot military. It was the first time the British had marched inland to do battle during the war, and the strategy did not work out as they had planned. Included in the presentation are the burning of Danbury as well as the Battles of Ridgefield and Saugatuck.

Thu, Jun 25, 2026; 6:30 p.m.

Woodbury Public Library

Open to the public